If you are ever conversing with a person who says he or she doesn’t like to enjoy half-price beers and delicious, juvenile finger foods, you should immediately make a run for it. That person has some serious issues. Happy hours are the best because you can totally indulge on a variety of menu items. Plus, diets don’t count during this time… Eating early is healthy, right? At least we think so.
During happy hour, you can have multiple drinks, share a few plates with friends and not be faced with a fifty dollar tab. We’ve all been there. It’s not pretty. Anyway, we’re college students, which means we must be frugal. Georgetown is home to some of the best early evening deals; so without further ado, here are a few of our favorites.
1. Morton’s Steakhouse (7400 Wisconsin Avenue, Georgetown)
We’ve all seen Morton’s. It’s a few buildings down from Mai Thai, a pretty brick building with a shiny black sign. It also looks far too expensive for students to ever step foot in outside the confines of Parents Weekend. Nonetheless, Morton’s has an awesome, yet underrated, happy hour option from 5 pm – close, Monday – Friday. During Morton’s “Bar Bites” special, you can enjoy delicious small plates like cheeseburger sliders and tuna tacos for a mere $7 each. My personal favorite on the menu is the filet trio, which is basically a 6 oz., $39 filet mignon for only $8. You really can’t beat that. The steakhouse also offers a full bar and half-price cocktails. Try the mojito, it’s fantastic. Check out the menu here.
Photo by Emma Delaney
2. Paolo’s Ristorante (1303 Wisconsin Avenue, Georgetown)
Paolo’s Ristorante is constantly bustling with college students. Given its prime location (only a quick, 10 minute walk from campus) and tasty menu items, Paolo’s proves to be the favored dinner spot for Georgetowners. However, most students are not taking advantage of what the restaurant offers. Paolo’s early evening special is, hands down, one of the best in the city. With its $4 drink specials (I recommend the Vanilla Mule) and yummy bites as cheap as $3, Paolo’s happy hour is not something you want to miss. The special runs from 4 pm – 7 pm, Monday – Friday. Check out the menu here.
Photo by Emma Delaney
3. Sea Catch Restaurant (1054 31st Street, Georgetown)
Never heard of this place? Well, you’re missing out. This restaurant, just steps away from M Street, overlooks the canal–and the food is pretty fantastic, as well. Sea Catch is apparently one of the best kept secrets of Georgetown. I guess I’m letting that secret out… but only because I was so pleasantly surprised by this place. Sea Catch is by far the fanciest restaurant on the list, but I also spent the least amount of money when I was there. The happy hour is offered Monday – Friday from 5 pm – 7 pm at the bar. Stop by this classy spot for high quality $1 oysters and $7 glasses of wine that is way too nice for us to be drinking. Here’s the menu.
Photo by Emma Delaney
4. J.Paul’s (3218 M Street, Georgetown)
I am well aware that J.Paul’s is a restaurant that students commonly couple with pricey oysters and conversing with parents about boring summer internships. However, J.Paul’s happy hour provides students with a way to eat there without breaking the bank. From 4 pm – 7 pm, Monday – Friday, enjoy 6 mix and match bottles of beer with your friends for only $15, $5 glasses of house wine and many other specials. To be honest, though, the food is what draws me here. A skillet of chili mac n’ cheese and fried polenta balls for only $5 each? Yes, please. Here’s the menu. You’re welcome.
Photo by Emma Delaney
5. Tackle Box (3245 M Street, Georgetown)
This tiny shack, located on the busiest street in town, is a staple for Georgetown students. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this place if you are looking for a 5-star meal, but the reasonably priced seafood is fun, yummy and convenient. Plus, the drinks are strong which makes this spot perfect for a Friday night pregame. Monday – Friday, from 4 pm – 7 pm, you won’t want to miss the $19 pitchers of Margaritas and $1 oysters. Call me crazy, but aren’t oysters supposed to be for fancy people only? Not anymore. Check out the menu here.
Photo by Emma Delaney
As always, be safe and don’t overindulge. Have fun.